Hoodoo

Love the song. Love the band. What I hear is a song about a man (in this case) who has lived the same routine for over a decade perhaps because it was his way to get what he needed. He had it for so long that he perfected it. The payoff was good (and even great at times), so he knows no other way to get what he needs. He has confused lust with love, or just settled for it. He had become addicted to the highs of the chase and the downs of the endings. He doesn't allow himself to get emotionally invested/attached, for he knows the relationship will eventually end. He dares not risk...to change the routine that has works so well (temporarily) for so long. He has forgotten the high he got when he took risks and found reward. He has left behind his positives and forsaken them for his negatives, because they are inbedded in the routine. He sees his strength coming from lies and manipulation rather than from within. He cannot see what others see in him (the positives) so he does not trust. He dares not go out on any limbs as he once did, back when he accomplished so much in his life. He believes that if he allows anyone close, that person will envelop him and he will lose his identity. He does not believe in two individuals completementing each other and allowing them the space they sometimes need. He believes he will be judged on his failures rather than on his efforts. He wants desperately to remain young, although he realizes that his time is limited for the world does not stop for anyone. And he foolishly believes that only the young have fun, are free, and know how to live a fulfilling life. His stubborness and at times arrogance clouds his judgment, and his fear prevents him from deviating from his routine. The closest he comes to loving and being loved is from being behind a computer screen, where it is safe and easy. He does not trust himself enough to risk emotionally, so he will always stick with the quickest way to get companionship, regardless if it will never last due to the dishonestly (or lack of open communication). He hates to be shown a mirror, for he views it as someone looking down on him and finding him weak, rather than someone loving him and wanting him to at least attempt to see what others see. He views true love (which includes concern and care) as boring, not realizing how lustful and special and exciting true love can be when a relationship is built on knowledge and friendship and loyalty. He chooses to live in a dream world, while filling the gaps with physical relationships or short-term romantic ones. And, yes, he misses the opportunity to be someone more than who he has stayed for over a decade. He misses the opportunity because he wants no risk and fears rejection. I have a relative who 'owns' this song. And tonight instead of taking a risk, he will follow the same routine he's had for years. The only thing he will risk is another person. Why? Because he can and because it's easy. I have to wonder the moment when he made the decision to take the path of least resistence, because that is not the person I knew him to be; inside of him was someone bright and strong, and able to reach any goal he set. GREAT song.